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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from England.